BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills, a familiar voice to millions across the UK, has had his romantic life unfold largely in the public eye, marked by significant relationships that have shaped his personal journey. After years of focusing on his illustrious broadcasting career, Mills found enduring love later in life, culminating in a high-profile marriage that has captured the hearts of his listeners and fans. His romantic history, while not extensive in publicly confirmed partners, highlights a progression towards a deeply committed relationship.
Scott Mills openly addressed his sexual orientation years ago, becoming a prominent gay figure in British media. His first publicly known long-term relationship was with Brad Harris, a shop manager. The couple began dating around 2014, and their relationship was serious enough that there were discussions of marriage. In 2015, reports suggested that Brad had even planned to propose. However, despite these plans, their relationship ultimately did not lead to marriage. Mills and Harris ended their three-year romance in 2017, with sources indicating that things had "fizzled out" after a period.
Following his split from Brad Harris, Scott Mills met Sam Vaughan in 2016 at a radio event in Wales. They began dating in 2017, with reports noting that Scott had a long-standing "thing for the Welsh" and that they bonded over their careers and a shared love for running. Their early relationship was described as a long-distance one, with Sam, who hails from Bridgend, and Scott travelling between London and Wales to see each other, reminiscent of the "Gavin and Stacey" dynamic.
The couple's relationship faced a significant hurdle early on, experiencing a "rocky start." According to reports, Sam Vaughan decided to "put the brakes on" their relationship for a period, leading to a difficult six-month period where they were not speaking. Scott Mills later revealed that he was "devastated" by this temporary separation. However, Sam's mother played a crucial role in their reconciliation, reportedly telling her son, "Don't mess him around. Either go for it or leave him alone." This intervention proved pivotal, leading Sam to text Scott, saying "I miss you," and ultimately bringing them back together.
Their relationship deepened significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns threatening to separate them, Scott and Sam made the decision to move in together in 2020. This period of intense cohabitation strengthened their bond, proving to be a positive step for the couple. They also welcomed a Cavapoo named Teddy into their family, further solidifying their shared life.
In October 2021, after four years together, Scott Mills announced his engagement to Sam Vaughan. Mills shared the joyous news on Instagram, stating, "After 4 years together I'm delighted to say we got engaged at the weekend. I've had the most amazing 4 years with this man and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him." Sam echoed his sentiments, calling it "the start of forever" and expressing his excitement to call Scott his husband.
The couple tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony in Spain on June 1, 2024. The wedding took place at Xalet del Nin, a beautiful beach resort outside Barcelona. Notable celebrity guests included Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Jordan North, Calvin Harris and his wife Vick Hope. Scott's long-time co-host Chris Stark served as the Master of Ceremony, a role he described as "one of the biggest honours" of his life. The wedding was a vibrant celebration, featuring performances by Calum Scott, Pixie Lott, and Sam Ryder, among others.
Prior to their wedding, Scott and Sam participated in the BBC's Celebrity Race Across the World, which aired in 2024. The pre-recorded series saw them navigate challenging journeys across various countries. Scott described the experience as the "ultimate test of our relationship," and their teamwork ultimately led them to victory, winning the season. This shared adventure further showcased their strong bond and mutual support.
Scott Mills has often reflected on finding lasting love in his forties, admitting it took him a long time to find "the right one." He emphasizes the importance of regular date nights and trips with Sam to maintain their marriage, stating that "date nights are absolutely key to the relationship." As he embarks on his new role as the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show host, Scott has expressed that he is "the happiest I've ever been in my life," attributing much of this happiness to his marriage to Sam. Their journey, marked by public milestones and personal growth, stands as a testament to their enduring commitment.